Siddha-Mahayoga

(1)

Siddha Mahayoga

Author:

Edara Nageshwara Rao

English Translation by:

Bandepalli Neelakar

(2)

2

Blessings from Swami Sahajananda Tirtha

Yoga is Jivatma (human soul) getting merged into Paramatma (super soul). The practice done with this desire is also called Yoga. According to the law of Karma, unless the accumulated Papa Punyas (sins and virtues) get cleansed, the merger of Jivatma into Paramatma does not take place. Unless one goes through Prarabdha Karmas (accumulated sins), they do not vanish. Only with the grace of Lord Parameshwara and the Guru, these Karmas can be washed off easily. While the Karmas are being washed off, the sadhak has to remain in Sakshi Bhaav (a feeling of witnessing) so that Karmas do not get accumulated. Though there are many prescribed methods to do so, Siddha Mahayoga is the best and easiest method. It is for this reason that this detailed book is being presented to you.

Though the purpose of this book is to expose people to deeper knowledge, none of the techniques, methods, postures and practices mentioned herein should be done without proper guidance of and regular follow up with a realized Master.

Your well wisher in Yoga, Swami Sahajananda Tirtha Cell No.: +91.98482.19240 Siddha Yoga Peetha (Regd.)

C/o Ashirwada Trust Vruddha Ashrama Near Naga Sai Temple,

Ramaraja Nagar, Vijayawada – 520012 Andhra Pradesh, India.

(3)

3

Siddha Mahayoga

Chapter 1

The Glory of Human Life

God has created so many beings in the world which are one, two, three, four and multi-legged, but human body is created with many specialities. The trees, reptiles, bacteria, animals, birds, aquatic lives and so many other unknown species are created by God. When God was not satisfied with his creation, he created a human who is able to visualize the reality (spiritual vision). Dharma (righteousness), Artha (material), Kama (desire), Moksha (liberation) are the four domains that can be attained by the human body. Then God felt satisfied with his own creation, since human body has the ability to reach these four domains. Everything in this world has been created only for man. Man is the master of animals, birds, living and non living things. Almighty God has given not only physical beauty but also mental faculties like intellect, wisdom and strength to achieve spiritual knowledge. God has bestowed intellectual abilities to humans to know the unknown though the whole world is God’s playground. Through the human body God can communicate.

Need for Knowledge of the Divine

No single person has command over the entire creation. The whole creation is here for human beings to experience their fruits of previous deeds. Everybody has to know about the Lord

(17)

17

of this creation whose command and decisions are to be obeyed by one and all. Without His grace we cannot do a thing. Human beings forget their real knowledge since they are involved in birth, death, body and sadness. Due to knowledge clouded by extreme doubts and diffidence, humans cannot achieve Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha, which they in fact aspire for. Practitioners of this path should discriminate between the permanent and impermanent. They should take the permanent reality and leave the unreal things out.

Humans went through millions of lives

Humans could never meet Lord Eshwara from the beginning of creation till date. We get dissolved on Maha Pralaya (doomsday) into Lord Eshwara. We would be dissolving without gnana (ultimate knowledge). There is no gain in such merging. A person under the influence of chloroform knows nothing. He cannot recognize where he is being taken or what is being done to him. In the same way when Nature totally merges with Lord Eshwara at the time of Pralaya, humans are in darkness and they do not possess the knowledge. Again when creation starts, humans take birth and go into pain and pleasure. In this way, millions of years have passed in the cycles of births and deaths. It would surprise an observer how many births and rebirths we all have gone through till now!

(18)

18

Methodology of calculating Kalpam (Very long time spans) The span of time one takes to open and close an eye lid is called Nimesham. Fifteen Nimeshams make one Kaashtam. Such thirty Kaashtams makes one Kalaa. Thirty Kalaas form a Muhurtam. Thirty muhurtams make a day and a night. Fifteen such days and nights make a Paksham. Two such Pakshams make a month. One such month is considered a day of Pitru Devas (Our ancestors), with Sukhla Paksha as day time and Krishna Paksha as night. Six such months make an Ayanam. Two Ayanams are one year. Thirty such years make one day and one night to Devataas. Uttarayana is the day time and Dakshinayana is the night time. Three hundred and sixty years are counted as one Divine Year consisting of 12 months. Yuga count is done through such Divine Years.

Vedic texts describe four Yugas viz. Satya, Treta, Dwapara and Kali Yuga. Satya Yuga was four thousand Divine years. Of these, four hundred Divine years are considered Sandhya Kaal of the Yuga. Another four hundred Divine years are considered as Sandhyamsa Kala. In the same way, from Satya Yuga to Kali Yuga, Sandhyamsa kala keeps decreasing step by step. This means Sandhyamsa in Treta yuga is calculated as three hundred Divine years; In Dwapara yuga it is calculated as two hundred divine years; In Kali yuga it is calculated as 100 Divine years. The beginning of a Yuga is considered as yuga sandhya and the end is considered as Sandhyamsa. So the Treta Yuga was three thousand Divine years, which consists of three

(19)

19

hundred Divine years of Yuga sandhya and another three hundred Divine years of Sandhyamsa. In the same way, the Dwapara Yuga is two thousand Divine years, which consists of two hundred Divine years of Yuga Sandhya and another two hundred Divine years of Sandhyamsa. Kali Yuga is thousand Divine years which consists of hundred divine years of Yug Sandhya, and another hundred divine years of Sandhyamsa. When four of these yugas are totalled, along with Sandhya and Sandhyamsa, it comes to twelve thousand Divine years. These are considered as Chatur Yuga (Four Yugas). Thousand such Chatur Yugas is known as one Kalpam.

It is clear from the above calculations that twelve thousand Divine years is considered as one Chatur Yuga for devas, where as it is 43.20 lakh years for us. Seventy one chatur yugas are considered as one manvantara. In one Kalpam there are fourteen manvantarams or manus. This shows that thousands of manvantaras have passed already, and no one knows about them. No one can count them. One kalpam is Brahma’s (creator’s) daytime, and another kalpam is his night time. His life span is hundred such years, and till now he has completed 50 years, and his 51st year has started. In the present kalpam, 28th Kali Yugam is running. If we analyze, humans are going through the cycle of birth and death lakhs and lakhs of times. If humans do not follow good practices at least in this birth their lives would be fruitless.

(20)

20

Time span of Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara

Satya, Treta, Dwapara and Kali Yuga – all these four yugas together would form a Chatur Yuga. Thousand such Chatur Yugas will form one day of Brahma. In his day time Brahma creates and in his night time, the creation dissolves. This type of one hundred years would be the lifespan of Lord Brahma. If we start to calculate one day of Brahma in terms of our days, fortnights, months and years, we will be unable to find numbers. Once the lifespan of Brahma is over, the entire universe perishes. A thousand such life spans of Brahma would be only one Gadiya for Lord Vishnu. Thousand such Gadiyas of Vishnu would be only one second for Lord Maheshwara. Thousand such time periods for Maheshwara would be only half a second for Parasakthi. As discussed above, Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara would also vanish in the specific time frames. The fear of death haunts not only mankind, but also the other gods, demigods and Lord Brahma (who has a very big life span). There is no comparison between the life spans of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshwara and Parasakthi with our life spans, even for the sake of calculation. Keeping this in view, human beings can estimate their real position.

Life span of Gods

Our epics have determined the time frame of Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara. They have also determined the time frame for demigods. The place where we live is called Bhuloka (Mother Earth). Bhuloka is also called as Martya Loka since

(21)

21

every one born here will have to face death. Everyone here would know about the rules and regulations of life, and about birth and death. However, we cannot know the facts about the other lokas (worlds) except through imagining of what is written in the vedic texts. Such details could be experienced through penance. The life span of gods is also time bound, though it would be very different from that of humans.

Sapta Lokas (Seven Worlds) are most important of all the innumerable worlds

There are millions of worlds in this visible universe. All the stars in the sky are also worlds. Gods live in those worlds. Bhu: (Physical Plane), Bhuvaha: (Astral Plane), Suvaha: (Celestial Plane), Mahaha: (Plane of Balance), Janaha: (Human Plane), Tapaha: (Plane of Austerity) and Satyaloka (Plane of reality) are the seven worlds that are important and prominent. Before starting the creation, Lord Brahma performed penance to the God Almighty. With His blessings, through Rajo Guna, Brahma manifested three worlds called Bhu: Bhuvaha: Suvaha: and also their rulers. Based on their Karma Phala (fate) every being was allotted a suitable place. Out of the three worlds, Suvaha: or Swarga was allotted to Gods. Similarly, Bhuvaha: was allotted to all Bhoota Ganas. Bhu: was allotted to humans and other beings. Beyond these three worlds, there are Maha: Jana: Tapo: worlds where Siddhas live.

(22)

22

Lord Brahma created a world below Bhu Loka for asuras (rakshasas) and nagas (serpants). Living beings, according to Satvic, Rajasic and Tamasic gunas, and the theory of fate, come and vanish into these three worlds. So every being comes and goes away into the above, middle and lower worlds. Through yoga, penance and sacrifice, the practitioners go to better worlds such as Maha: Jana: and Tapo:. Through Bakthi Yoga one can attain the abode of Almighty God. With the inspiration of Lord Brahma, who is the personification of time, activities dominated by Karma happen in this world. Those gods who are pious and are mainly having Satva guna live in the above worlds. With the human eye, we cannot either see them or their world. In the same way, we cannot see the Asuras and Nagas, and those beings who are dominated by highest degree of Tamo guna, and their worlds also. We need divine vision with divine knowledge.

Through pious deeds, we attain divinity

Human beings can attain the status of Gods through pious and good deeds. While wishing for a comfortable life, the good deeds performed here on the earth like yagna (conducting sacrificial fire to please Gods), dana (giving charity for good cause), japa (chanting), tapa (meditation) and the practice of yoga, will enable humans to reach Swarga Loka (Heaven) after their demise. There, they take an appropriate physical form and enjoy divine bliss. Their lifespan would be hundred, thousand, lakh, crore times that of human beings who live for a specific

(23)

23

period of time on the earth here. Depending upon the punya (part of fortune) and the good deeds done, they get into Swarga, Maha, Jana and Tapo lokas. According to the practices and policies of those lokas, they are bestowed with excellent comforts and lifespan. This would continue until the life span of Lord Brahma. After enjoying the comforts in their assigned world, when their punya diminishes, they return back to earth. In this manner, though they get godly status, humans do not escape from returning back to the previous state.

Peace cannot be found without gnana (Divine Knowledge) One does not obtain permanent comfort without attaining knowledge about the complete form of Lord Almighty. According to Vedic texts and epics, human beings can estimate their life span, strength and intellect. Following the rules of Dharma (Righteousness) man can swim through this material world and get to the spiritual world to enjoy divine comforts. After getting to know the calculations of Kalpam, people should try to accumulate Gnana. They should not be lost in their comfortable life zones, but strive to get divine knowledge since that is the final goal and duty of human beings.

Description of splendor of sixteen shades of almighty

God is complete. He cannot be expressed in words. He is above the sensory organs. He is tinier than the tiniest atom. The whole universe has descended from Him and is shining in shades of His supreme splendor. God is bestowing strength,

(24)

24

intellect and vigour to humans. Sun, who is a part of Vishnu, is the ruler of Aditya mandala (Surya Loka). Sun is the lifeline for all living beings. Daily we can see the Almighty through the radiance of the Sun God. However, the naked eye cannot see the sixteen splendorous shades of the Almighty, spread all over the whole creation. To see the Almighty, we need divine eyes. Based on the knowledge of the glorious shades of God and according to the microscopic vision of great souls, who possess equanimity, God has sixteen splendorous shades. In the pre-metric system, we had sixteen annas in one rupee, and we could use them according to our needs. Two annas are higher in value than one anna. In the same fashion, God Almighty shines in sixteen shades, spread all over higher and lower energy. This Amsa (partial energy) is a part of the Supreme energy.

The omnipresent Supreme energy of God shines as splendorous shades in all movable and immovable creatures. Our small human minds cannot comprehend how much of divine brilliance is present in every being. However, by developing his own innate capability, intellect and merit, man can get a glimpse of the divine brilliance in others to a certain extent. Non-movable beings of the universe have only one shade of God. Moving beings like insects have four shades of God’s energy. Birds and animals have six shades of energy of God. Man has seven to eight shades of energy which means he has

(25)

25

almost half of God’s energy. Since man has half of God’s energy, he is considered superior to all other living beings. This world has been created for the enjoyment of human beings. When man realizes his real strength, he can achieve everything. Above man, there are gods who have supernatural powers. They have the radiance of eight to ten shades of God Almighty. Among gods, there are supernatural beings having ten to twelve shades of Almighty. These beings are blessed with Anima and Garima (which are spiritual strengths). The incarnation of Almighty comes down to earth with twelve to sixteen shades of divine brilliance. The above is a description of the splendorous shades of the Lord Almighty.

Capability of Human Beings, Gods, Siddha Purushas (Sages with Super Natural Powers) and Avatars (Incarnations) Human beings can get elevated through their good character and deeds to be Gods, Sages and Avatars. As Vedic texts have mentioned, when man is enlightened with divine qualities, he would be called God with this physical body. He gets the treasure of brilliant divine energy which is the result of possessing divine qualities. When man gets transformed into a Sage with Super Natural powers, he possesses extraordinary and excellent capabilities. He has the capacity to reduce conflicts in the creation. The one who has ten splendorous shades of Almighty is called God. The one who has twelve splendorous shades of God is called Siddha Purusha or Sage. Such a person possesses the capacity to oppose wrong doers,

(26)

26

protect dharma and save good people. Men with more than twelve splendorous shades are known as the incarnation of Eshwara.

The moment we think of God, we look up to the Sky. When we refer to Incarnation, we always link it with Rama, Krishna, Buddha or Shankaracharya. Among incarnations, we mainly recollect Rama and Krishna. Those who possess divine qualities are referred to as Gods. Those who have special supernatural powers of Anima, Garima and thought reading technique are known as Sages or Siddhas. For these Gods and Sages, it makes no difference whether they are in the Sky or the Earth. Their status remains the same everywhere. However, Human beings become Gods with their good deeds, become animals with their evil deeds, and become Avatars by their superior deeds. When the need arises, if Human beings fail to fulfil the assigned task, God himself would finish such tasks, after taking a physical body. This means Human beings can be transformed into wicked ones, Gods, Sages and Avatars. When Humans fail to do good deeds, huge damages, calamities and difficulties befall them. A suitable atmosphere is created on Earth for Human beings to do good deeds.

The authors of epics have observed the supernatural powers in Human beings. When the divine power is very strong and special, these beings are referred to as Incarnations. In puranas, 24 incarnations are prominent. Out of these, 10

(27)

27

incarnations are described as the most important ones. Among them Rama and Krishna are mentioned with reverence. All those born out of the mother’s womb come under the category of the word “Incarnation”. According to the epics, there is a difference in the development of the spiritual energy of each incarnation. Only those who have such spiritual capability can really be called Incarnations. We have to analyze why such incarnations take place.

Everyone knows about Rama, Krishna, Buddha and Shankara. These four great men have safeguarded Dharma (righteousness). With their self will and determination, they could lead followers and were identified as Incarnations. In this world, ups and downs take place even for Dharma within a short span of time. Rain water flows into rivers. The dirty water from rivers reaches the sea. Every year this process happens. In the same way, incarnations also descend at a predetermined time. They do not just drop onto our planet like an asteroid does. The power of supernatural shades and the capability of incarnation is always a matter of argument for mankind. Till now, all the incarnations that have come down to earth are a part of splendorous shades of Almighty. In the epics Krishna is known as Poorna Brahmam (complete incarnation). The Bhagavad Gita narrated by Krishna has brought prosperity and welfare to mankind. According to the Bhagavad Gita, God totally controls maya (illusion) and only then takes birth, whereas our births are totally controlled by maya. There is as

(28)

28

much difference between our ordinary births and incarnations as there is between the nether worlds and the Sky. Illusion is under the control of incarnations, while we are controlled by illusion. Even if the Human beings, with consistent effort and divine qualities, try and reach the level of incarnations, they do not possess the leadership qualities of the incarnations.

Rama and Parasurama are both incarnations of God. There was war between them since they did not recognize each other. Parasurama had annihilated the entire clan of kings. Rama was a king who annihilated asuras. This is the reason for the dispute in the sadhaks (practitioners) about these two incarnations. There is nothing that is impossible for Lord Almighty and this fact needs to be understood by all. If we see it with enlightened vision, we understand that there is no limit to the energy and splendor of God Almighty.

Incarnations are not always immersed in deep meditation Lord Krishna mentioned to Arjuna that he is the complete form of Poorna Brahmam (the Lord Almighty). He also told Arjuna that after attaining physical form, even Incarnations are not always in Brahmi Sthiti (deep meditation). After Kurukshetra war, Dharamaraja was coronated as Emperor. Then Krishna tells Arjuna to ask if any more clarifications are needed. Arjuna tells Krishna that he forgot the knowledge of Gita which was taught at the battlefield, and asks Krishna to preach it again. Lord Krishna regretted that Gita was preached to Arjuna when

(29)

29

he himself was in Yoga Sthiti (trance) to teach the Divine Knowledge. Since Krishna could not completely teach Gita, he taught Arjuna a small portion of whatever he remembered as Anu Gita. This tells us that Incarnations do not always dwell in deep meditation. As mortals, as long as we have the physical body, we perform all karmas (actions) according to natural demands.

Human beings are in between Higher and Lower levels. They need to analyze their duties. The state of deep meditation is the best action. We have half of the capacity of the Para Brahma (Omnipotent). We can either go down through bad deeds to the level of animals, birds and insects, or go higher by our good deeds to the level of Gods, Sages and Incarnations. Gods, who are at a higher level, are enjoying all comforts. Other beings, who are at a lower level, are suffering all the time. Only human beings are experiencing both pleasure and pain. Gods and sages who are at a higher level have no benefit though they enjoy comforts. They do not have the right to perform Karmas (actions). They are spending away the results of their Punya (good deeds) which they have earned on earth. After totally exhausting it, they will have to return to earth. Similarly, the lower level beings continue to exhaust their bad karmas and take birth as human beings. To remain in the middle level, higher level births come down and lower level births go up. Practitioners have to be very thoughtful and understand their duties properly.

(30)

30

To go down to a lower level, one can eat, drink and be merry. He can earn money through dubious means, without thinking of right or wrong. It is not at all difficult to go down to the lower level. It takes less time to go downhill. If people want to kick their luck away, it is left to them. Then, they have to suffer. If one wants to go higher, they have to have discretion between justice and injustice, dharma and adharma etc. There are difficulties in trying to climb up the mountain. Then, for the pain there is sure gain.

We need to think very deeply while we are on the earth itself, on all the matters mentioned above. The one in the middle can look at the one who is higher and also those who are lower than him. This is the best and most convenient time for those born on earth. Once they lose this time, there is no surety that they can achieve what they aim. Once the human body perishes, one has to grieve very much.

To enjoy complete peace, we have to perform good deeds like Yoga, Meditation, recitation of the holy name, Vratas (time-bound religious practices), Prayaschitta (repentance), Yagnas (Sacrificial fire), and Daana (charity).

(31)

31

Chapter 2

The Glory of Being Human

Without self realization, no person can attain inner peace. The main purpose of human birth is to get spiritual enlightenment. However, to do this duty human beings need not go out anywhere. Eshwara, who is the form of truth, is actually present well within us. Spiritual practitioners are trying hard to reach within.

The impending births and deaths are not thought of by unenlightened human beings. They think that Gnana (knowledge) and Gnanis (enlightened masters) can be found through pilgrimages, and they search externally. They also do good deeds like giving donations, performing yagnas (prayers with sacrificial fire), meditation, recitation of mantras (Mystic Syllables), etc. Mean and foolish people who have an eye on the comforts of heaven cannot get self realization, which is the main purpose of human birth. Same is the case with the seekers of liberation. They do not search God within, and keep searching for God in holy places. They also do not attain knowledge. The Creator, God, has created all the pious and holy places in the human body itself. Many practitioners do not have microcosmic knowledge of this.

Eshwara created the universe. He made the human body as a replica of the universe. The entire Gnana (knowledge) is incorporated in the body. Man can naturally find the

(32)

32

knowledge spread over in the universe within himself and experience it. There is absolutely no need for him to go out in search of the knowledge.

The Similarity between Pinda (Human) and Brahmanda (Universe)

All pilgrim centres are within us. All the worlds which we see in the universe are also within us. Whatever is in the outside world also exists within our body. Whoever realizes these things is without doubt a Gnani (knowledgeable), Mahatma (divine soul) and Yogi (saintly person).

The Fourteen worlds and their respective places in the human body

Bhu (Physical Plane), Bhuvar (Astral Plane), Swarga (Celestial Plane), Maha (Plane of Balance), Jana (Human Plane), Tapa (Plane of Austerity), Satya (Plane of Reality) lokas (worlds) are the Sapta Oordhva Lokas (seven higher worlds). Atala, Talatala, Mahathala, Rasatala, Sutala, Vitala, Patala are the Sapta Patala Lokas (seven lower worlds). The total of these are known as the fourteen worlds.

Bhu loka exists in the Mooladhara (lowest point of the spine). Slightly above that exists Bhuvar loka (in the Swadishtana). In the navel region exists Swarga loka. In the heart exists Mahar loka. In the throat region exists Jana loka. In the forehead exists the Tapo loka. Satya loka exists on the Brahmarandhra (on the head). From the bottom of the spine, there are seven higher

(33)

33

worlds and till the feet from the spine there are seven lower worlds. Below the feet there is Atala. On the feet there is Talatala. At the ankle, there is Mahathala. Above the ankle, there is Rasatala. Between ankle and the knee, there is Sutala. At the knee, there is Vitala. At the thighs, there is Patala loka. Together, these lower seven worlds and higher seven worlds are known as fourteen universes. According to their previous deeds and actions, humans come and go into these fourteen worlds to reap the consequences, either pain or pleasure. When humans realize the existence of these fourteen worlds within themselves, the journey (birth and death cycle) and misery ends. They get most relieved.

The seven islands and the seven seas in the human body Earth is formed as seven islands, namely, Jambu, Shaka, Shalmalee, Kusa, Krouncha, Gomaya and Sweta. Next to one another, there are seven seas known as Lavana (salt), Ikshu Rasa (sugar cane juice), Madira (wine), Ghruta (ghee), Dadhi (curd), Ksheera (milk) and jala (water). These seven seas are situated on the seven islands.

When we relate their positions in human body, we find Jambu Island in the bones, Kusa in the muscles, Krouncha in the nerves, Shaka in the joints and blood, Shalmalee in the skin, Gomaya in the hair and Sweta in the navel region. Similarly there are seven seas in various parts of the human body. Lavana ocean is in our sweat or urine. Ksheera samudra or milk

(34)

34

ocean is in our semen. Dadhi or curd is in our bone marrow. Ghruta or ghee is in the fat content of our body. Ikshu rasa samudra or sugar cane juice is in the blood near the navel region of our body. Sura samudra or wine sea is in our blood. Seven seas are spread all over the human body.

Eight Kulachala Mountains in the human body

Sumeru, Himavanta, Vindhyachala, Malaya, Mandarachala, Srisaila, Mainaka and Kailasa are the 8 mountains in our body. Sumeru is in the spinal cord. Himalayas are in the buttocks. Malaya Mountain is in the left shoulder. Mandara is in the right shoulder. Vindhya is in the right ear. Mainaka is in the left ear. Srisaila is in the forehead. Kailasa is on the head.

The Thirthas (Holy Waters) in the human body are the abodes of Gods

Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati, Godavari, Narmada, Sindhu, Kaveri, Chandrabhaga, Vitasta, Airavati and other rivers are in our body. There are seventy two thousand nerves in our body. The flow in them is just like the flow of the rivers. In the same way, there are fifteen tidhis, seven week days, twenty seven stars, twelve rashis (astrological houses), twenty eight yogas, seven karanas, a planetarium with planets and sub plantes, and thirty three crore gods in each and every part of our body.

The five pranas, mind, sound, Bindu, Kala, Jyoti, six chakras, meru danda and udyana, jaalandhara, poornagiri, and Sri Hattaka Mahapeetha are embedded in our body. Innumerable

(35)

35

gandharvas (celestial singers), kinneras, yakshas, vidhyadharas, apsaras (celestial beauties), other divine groups and holy waters are present in our unlimited heart. In our sky-like heart, greatest gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are situated. With their limitless capacity, great illumination that gives divine knowledge is also there inside us. This is because we are the products of Prakruti and Purusha. Whatever is available in the universe is there inside us.

Practitioners who wish to have definite knowledge about Eshwara have to necessarily realize that everything that is visible outside in the universe is available inside us. All these are intertwined with Prana (vital force), so practitioners can reach the goal with the help of prana since they are all within prana. It should be noted that God Almighty is different from prana.

Though everything is available within, people who are tamasic and behave the way they want leave out the holy places within and keep wandering outside in search of holy places like Prayag. They can never get liberated since they cannot look into themselves and find the Prayag which is inside. We can attain divine world or get liberated within us. These two things are within us. In the universe, the jeeva (self) and Shiva (God) are the two things. Outwardly, human is in jeeva (form) and Shiva (God) is within. Almighty as Shiva is inside. If humans want to reach God, they have to necessarily reach within. They

(36)

36

need not go out anywhere. If they look for God outside, it is absolutely of no use.

The nerves Ida and Pingala are known as Ganga and Yamuna rivers. In between the two, there is Sushumna, known as river Saraswati. These three nerves meet at one point, which is known as the Holy Prayag in our body. Mooladhara, the Lotus, (base of the spine) is the starting point of these three nerves. They originate at Mooladhara and travel through Bhru Madhya (region between the two eyes on the forehead), and then they all merge at Aagna Chakra. Here, the diety is God Someshwara. Ida and Pingala move out through respiration from this point. Sushumna hides and moves in the spinal cord and reaches Sahasrara. The union of these three is known as Prayag or the Triveni Sangam. Those who can join mind and prana attain divine abode. Those who breathe their last there attain liberation. The imaginary holy places outside our body are supposed to be against the dictates of Eshwara. They are getting separated from Him. Getting free from all bondages is possible only through the Prayag which is within us.

The Glory of Sacred Prayag

River Saraswati flows in between Ganga and Yamuna. The one who takes a dip and holy bath at the confluence of the Sacred Prayag (these three rivers) is redeemed from all the sins and accumulates Punya (Spiritual Wealth). This means that the one who meditates at the Bhru Madhya (centre point of both

(37)

37

eyebrows) where Ida, Pingala and Shushumna nadis (nerves) meet, gets liberated. These three nerves in our body are Gnana Tirthas (knowledge centres) with divine flow of knowledge. Those who bathe in them within need not go to take bath in Ganga or Yamuna or any other holy waters.

Six Chakras in our body are the Sacred Waters

Ida or Chandra (Moon) nerve at the mooladhara is supposed to be the flow of Ganga River. Pingala or Surya (Sun) nerve can be compared to River Yamuna. From the same mooladhara, Sushumna Nadi (subtle nerve) flows which is River Saraswati. The knowledgeable people, who know mantras (Mystic Syllables) and specialities of kriyas, would experience all the holy places and sacred rivers within their own body. They dip their mind into the Lotus of mooladhara and have a sacred bath. They very happily get liberated. Rivers like Mandakini which are in heaven are present in Swadishtana Chakra in the human body. Yogis (practitioners) concentrate their mind on the divine Mandakini River and take a holy dip. Those who long for liberation take a dip in Manipura Chakra. This chakra is also known as Pancha Kunda Sarovar and Kamana Thirtha. In the same way, those craving for liberation imagine all holy waters in Anahatha Chakra, which is in Surya Mandala. The fifth chakra, Vishudha, is in the throat. Here, there are Ashta Tirthas (eight holy waters). They give salvation and liberation. For liberation, yogis meditate on these points and take a plunge. In the sixth chakra, Aagna, Manasa Sarovar, Bindu Sarovar, Pampa

(38)

38

and Narayana Sarovar are there. Here, Kali Kunda Thirtha is situated, where Someshwara is established. The greatest yogis meditate, have a holy dip to achieve liberation and salvation, which redeems them from the cycle of births and deaths. With the awakening of Kundalini through Yoga alone, the above said holy dips can be experienced in all the centres. Those yogis who can regulate the breath in Sushumna with the power of practice of yoga can take a holy dip within the sacred waters of their own self and get relieved from all sins. Such yogis with the vision of Shiva Thirthas within themselves get liberated. The worst criminals who daily do crimes or those who have done murders of great Brahmins also get redeemed if they can bathe in the holy waters within themselves through yoga practices and get the super powers bestowed by Siddhas, Anima and Garima.

Those who really aspire to reach Almighty necessarily have got to take a holy dip in the Thirthas which are within them.

Role of Kundalini Power in the path of liberation

All the seventy two thousand nerves in the human body can be called as Sacred Thirthas. Ida, Pingala and Sushumna (Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati) are the most important ones. Again among the three of them, Saraswati (Sushumna) is the greatest river since it is the abode of Lord. So practitioners cannot attain expected results on other nerve points without Sushumna. Without Saraswati Thirtha, there is no help with the rest of the

(39)

39

sacred thirthas. The humans are linked to Almighty through Sushumna and thereby with the power of Shambhavi. At the gateway of Sushumna, the power of Kundalini is in hibernation. That is the entry point through which people can reach Brahma Loka. It is always in hibernation because of the good and bad deeds done by humans. Pranayama alone can awaken that power. The practitioner can reach God only if that power of Kundalini is awakened through Pranayama. No one can take a dip in Prayag without awakening that power. Almighty is at half way in Sushumna. With pranayama, when Kundalini is awakened, God’s presence will be felt. Without kindling the power of Kundalini the practitioners can never reach God in any number of lives. Pranayama alone is the means to awaken the power of Kundalini.

Awakening of Kundalini will enlighten the path to liberation Kundalini Shakti (energy) when awakened will open up the path to liberation. This is a smooth and easy path.

Once human beings enter this path, they never think of going back. For non-practitioners, this path is useless. A person who practices yoga and has control over his senses can only reach God. This means the path to reach God is mooladhara, which starts just below the spinal vertebra. The starting point of the path to reach God starts at Sushumna. Then it goes straight up to Sahasrara. Vajra nadi is inside Sushumna nadi (subtle nerve) and Chitra nadi (also called Chitrini nadi) is inside Vajra nadi.

(40)

40

Sushumna is known as path to Brahma. Through pranayama, the practitioners have to reach the Prana (vital breath) upto Sahasrara. There they can meet Almighty.

The whole knowledge and means is within the body

No one has brought anything into this world when they were born, nor can they take anything while going back. If human beings cannot obtain the benefit of Gnana (knowledge) in this birth, they can never obtain it in any other births. People do not recognize that their entire time is lost in sickness, grief, helplessness and misery. One cannot get liberation either by good or evil deeds.

Dhyana (Meditation) is to keep off anxieties

“Dhyanam nirvishayam manah”. This means meditation makes mind devoid of worries. The people who meditate imagine that they are very powerful, that they have everything within, that they are replica of Eshwara and that they can do anything that they want. If practiced properly, it is not difficult to reach blissful state in meditation. During the twelve minutes, one gets into that status only for a minute. If meditation is natural practice, everyone who meditates gets liberated.

The meaning of meditation is not what people usually understand. What they usually do is no meditation at all. Meditation done according to own imagination is not the real one. Devoid of all worldly matters, in a state of emptiness, concentration of the mind may be called real meditation. Only

(41)

41

in such a state, doubtlessly one gets into bliss and liberation. Without delinking from worldly desires no one can practice meditation. People can meditate on mountains, rivers, tanks, or on idols made of mud or stone. Such imaginary idols cannot lead a person to the path of liberation. Such idols made of mud or wood are only imaginary replicas of Gods and Goddesses that possess no consciousness. Meditating on such things does not yield any betterment. So practitioners of yoga do not show any interest in them. They do pranayama and make their minds free from worldly desires, get into a state where they directly visualize their own soul which is enlightened and meditate on that.

While people close their eyes and sit for meditation, they see only darkness. The meaning of meditation is to make the mind clog-free from worldly things and not to sit and imagine things. This means with imagination, we are moving far away from meditation, and seeing imaginary figures. Prana gives strength to mind. Without controlling prana, if we sit and meditate, the mind cannot be controlled. In such state, we still cannot meditate on Eshwara who is above all imagination. Through use of force, if we hold prana by pranayama, our mind becomes disconnected with worldly things. In that condition we understand things which are above sensory perceptions. Then our imaginations and Sankalpas (intentions) come to be true.

(42)

42

With the outer covering of dirty thoughts, when intellect is static, we can do pranayama and cleanse such thoughts. Therefore, we then experience the feeling of Gnana only when we do meditation without worldly desires and thoughts.

Knowledge will not dawn without meditation. Even this meditation does not happen without regular practice of pranayama and yoga. We have to practice yoga only to get into meditation. Whoever practices meditation can cross the cycle of births and deaths. The precious knowledge which can help us to swim the ocean of lives can be obtained only by those who are always in pleasant state of mind, and have single-mindedness.

The Reality about Dhyana (Meditation)

Those who want to meditate without worldly worries should sit comfortably either in Siddhasana or Padmasana with their hands straight on their knees. They should sit straight, keep their concentration on the tip of the nose and repeatedly do nadi shodhana pranayama while respiring and emitting the breath. They need to repeat the supreme mantra “Om” holding their breath in Kumbhak pranayama. When the prana is controlled the mind is at peace. With “Om” sound along with AnaHatha sound, Ghanta Nada (Bell ringing sound) should be heard. After a month of regular practice of this method, prana gets controlled and mind will be at peace. The Lotus of heart which is in deep slumber in Sushumna, in upside down position,

(43)

43

would face upwards and starts blossoming. Mind becomes empty and goes into concentration. Then meditation becomes natural. Here certainly the mind comes into our control. In reality this is known as meditation or knowledge. All other things are only imaginary. With stringent practice of meditation and yoga, the mind can be controlled and all illusions will vanish within no time.

(44)

44

Chapter 3

Three paths of Welfare

Gnana yoga, Karma yoga and Bhakti yoga are the three paths of welfare. Other than these three, there is no other way to reach Almighty.

Gnana yoga is intended for those who do not have any desires and who consider karmas (actions) as cause of misery and sacrifice them. It is for those who are in deep meditation and develop vairagya (dispassion) towards material things.

Karma yoga is prescribed for those who cannot sacrifice karma and for those who want to enjoy material pleasures. In other words, it is for those who want to live a normal life but reach the ultimate goal.

Bhakti yoga is recommended for those who do not show too much interest or disinterest towards worldly pleasures. By the grace of God, they develop a longing for God. They are neither Bhogis (one who enjoys things intentionally) nor Yogis. Such people think they cannot reach God if they get entangled in material pleasures. They do not enjoy those pleasures fully nor do they propose to abandon them. They do not live only for earthly pleasures and die. At the same time, they do not like leaving everything and living like beggars. They like to live in this world, but like to hear about the greatness of God and thereby reach God. For these types of people, the best way is

(45)

45

Bhakti Yoga. As long as the mind links with Vasanas (past impressions), it does not develop strong trust on divine knowledge, and develop eagerness to reach God. Until the vasanas exist, human beings have to participate in worldly activities. Human beings have to involve themselves in worldly activities when they cannot renounce Karma (meaning that they cannot detach themselves from their activities) and adopt vairagya, and until then they have to keep doing karma. Such people who do not fail to lead a righteous life without expecting the fruits of action perform holy deeds like Yagna, Daana, Japa and Tapa. They also avoid prohibited deeds, endavour to get rid of sin and attain Vishuddha Tatwa Gnana (Ultimate Knowledge) in this world itself or would be devoted to God. Karma keeps changing. Brahma Loka obtained through such changing karma also keeps changing. Because of these changes, such Brahma Loka is considered inauspicious. Those people who are knowledgeable have to leave craving for Brahma Loka as it also gets destroyed.

Human Life is more difficult to get

Those who aspire to become Gods should realize that the pleasure of heaven is not permanent. Although human beings undergo a lot of suffering here, even Gods also wish to be reborn as humans. It is because they realize that only with human body can one develop knowledge and devotion. With a divine body, one cannot get the benefit of knowledge and devotion. Therefore, knowledgeable human beings should not

(46)

46

long for heaven just as they do not want hell. One should not also aspire for rebirth here as humans. This is because, once one develops a liking for the human body, it will become an obstruction to the achievement of Gnana Sadhana (knowledge). The human body is perishable, but through the practice of yoga, one can achieve salvation only with this physical frame. Once we achieve liberation, one need not have to come back. Therefore, this human body is the means to perform all auspicious activities. Those who do such activities easily get human birth. For those who involve in evil acts, it is difficult to get a human body. The human body is like a ship to cross the Bhava Sagara (ocean of life). Guru or preceptor is the captain of this ship. He uses divine practices and smarana (constant memory) as fuel to reach the destination. In spite of getting such a great instrument such as the human body, who ever fails to cross the ocean of life, should be considered as self destroyer or like a person who commits suicide.

Ashtanga Yoga Sadhana

For their own welfare, people have to choose Ashtanga Yoga which contains yama and niyama; follow Brahma Vidya which is told in the Vedas that explains discrimination of permanent and non-permanent things; a methodology which is known as Eshwara Pranidhana. They can follow one of these methods according to their convenience and reach the Almighty. Except these paths there are no other paths to reach the supreme. But generally people choose their own path and leave out the path

(47)

47

directed by God himself. For such people reaching Almighty is not possible. There will be no betterment for them. The above said three paths are useful to reach the destination. Setting aside their interest in other activities, those who practice yoga with desirelessness and those yogis who control sensory pleasures, take to Pranidhana type of devotion and concentrate the mind alone can reach the Almighty.

People in four levels

There are people in four levels in this world – Superior, Middle, Lower and Bottom Level. Gnana yoga, Karma yoga and Bhakti yoga were fixed for the first three levels of people depending on their convenience, requirement and situations. The greatest yogis who belong to the highest category are the people who realized that the world is imaginary, sacrificed their personal comforts and adapted to Gnana (Knowledge), Vairagya (Dispassion), Tyaga (Sacrificing nature), Tapas (Meditation) and took to the practice of Ashtanga Yoga to reap real benefits of knowledge. These are the people dearest to God.

The second category of people is in the Middle level. They do not accept wholeheartedly that the world is unreal. They also do not enjoy the pleasures intentionally or leave them out. They are in a state of uncertainty. They do not follow their own ways or the ways prescribed in the ancient scripts. Such people visit holy places, follow vratas and do charity. They practice Bhakti yoga, chanting, meditation, listening to the stories of

(48)

48

God’s glory and satsang. They follow Ashtanga yoga. They do not leave their homes. Despite being in the state of doubt, they uplift themselves. Through Bhakti yoga they reach the Almighty according to their devotion and get good results from God. The third level is for the lower people who consider the world as a reality to some extent, and would like to be born again and again to help others. They want to enjoy worldly pleasures. They follow Karma yoga and help others. They perform yagnas, yagas, run schools, choultries and cowsheds. They start universities and dining halls where food is served free. Through pious deeds like donating food, clothing and money, they serve God. When Ashtanga Yoga is practiced with Karma Yoga without expecting any return (desirelessly), these people happily reach God. Through Gnana, Bhakti and Karma Margas, all categories of people reach God and gain happiness. All the three Margas (ways) are dependent on Ashtanga yoga. Excepting these three, there is no other instrument to attain the Almighty’s grace.

The Bottom category of people in the world is those who think this world is everything. These people are very selfish. They would not accept the difference between justice and injustice. To be pure is against their tenet. They want to be happy at any cost and through one or the other idea they will be always busy in earning money. They do not mind doing prohibited or heinous acts. They lead their lives in such a way and die. They

(49)

49

do not have the desire to reach God. Such people should listen to and read about the glorious deeds of God and attend satsangs regularly. How can anyone not realize his own state and God’s existence? How can he not try to earn salvation? This is why people should realize the paths laid down by God and choose the most suitable path for them and go ahead by practicing that.

When temporarily difficult situations arise, people should not either take or follow big decisions. They should do pranayama with strong will and enthusiasm. With the practice of yoga and pranayama, the mind will certainly come under control. The mind should not be allowed to wander with agitation. The mind should win over other organs through yoga, pranayama and satvic intelligence.

Along with yama and niyama, the practice of Ashtanga yoga is said to be the best way to control the mind. To control the mind, we have to practice and understand the yoga system fully and keep doing it regularly. One has to dispassionately adopt Sankhya Yoga and think deeply about the creation and destruction of the world, until the mind gets controlled. How can this universe be created? How will it get dissolved? Such matters need to be analyzed logically with full awareness and dispassionate attitude. When such synthesis is done repeatedly by the mind, the bad thoughts will get left out.

(50)

50

Those who do not have the right to practice Ashtanga Yoga and Brahma Vidya through Bhakti, Gnana and Karma Yoga, are the ones who run behind base and ego fulfilling desires. Such people will not be able to get over the cycle of births and deaths. “Guna” is that characteristic thing which tells about the commitment that people have to follow certain tenets. “Dosha” is that characteristic thing quite opposite to Guna. In this world, all the material things and aspects may be similar but in their usage there is a classification as good and bad. God has decided Gunas and Doshas to make people choose the righteous path and leave out the wrong path, so that living in this world is set to certain good standards. Those who do not come under the Ultimate and Supreme Gnana and Bhakti should follow the percepts of sages Manu, Yagnavalkya and Parashara. This is the directive of Lord Almighty in order to elevate them.

Discriminating things

From Brahma to inanimate objects, there is one atma in all the bodies. The five elements – Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky – make every living being in this world. A combination of these things gives a body to any living being. The composition is the same in different bodies. Different names and shapes are given to them in the Vedas only to perform assigned tasks in a convenient way. Living beings fulfill their activities according to the doctrine of Karma and get redemption. Assigning of country, time, Gunas and Doshas are done by God only to put things in order so that a methodology is in place.

(51)

51 The details of Place and Time

When a person is born in a good country, at a good time and in a better role and performs his activities, they yield better and faster results. If one does things according to one’s own wish without thinking one may get opposite results. That is why the importance of country, time and role is mentioned in our Shastras (Vedic texts). In ancient times, it was considered that a country where there is no black buck and no Brahmin to do Veda chanting or Vedic duties is unholy. In olden days, though there were black bucks in some countries, since Brahmins were not there, Indra, Brahma and other gods did not perform yagnas. For the same reasons, in olden days, countries like Anga, Vanga and Kalinga were considered as unholy. Places where holy deeds were not done and had barren lands (which were not used for agriculture) were considered unholy. In the same way, the activities done without knowing well about the auspicious timings, Gunas and Doshas would give opposite results. These activities neither give worldly comforts nor spiritual advancement. Expected results will not be achieved when activities are performed after the suitable auspicious time has passed. Expected results would occur when good activities are done within the auspicious time. If they are not done at the proper time, it would be a waste. Days like Makara Sankramanam are very auspicious days. Days after birth and death, and eclipse days, are considered inauspicious. Whenever auspicious activities cannot be done, those are considered inauspicious days.

(52)

52 Discriminating Purity and Impurity

The criteria used to classify the pure and the impure in all physical objects is based on material, timing, objectivity, meanness or greatness. Water from rivers, tanks and wells is considered pure but water from small pits is considered dirty. Depending upon the conditions of a particular country, time and role, same object may be considered either pure or impure. Utensils of copper and brass are considered pure, but with the touch of urine, they are considered impure. However, with water they can be cleansed again. During menstruation, a woman is considered impure as cleansing takes place at this time. After those days are over, she is considered pure. Fresh food is pure and cold, spoilt food is impure. When basil leaves are put in water with a mantra (Mystic Syllable) and sprinkled over things, they become pure. When one smells holy basil leaves, it is considered an act of purity.

Grains, firewood, bones, oil, ghee, milk, curd, butter, sugar, jaggery, honey, gold, silver, mercury, other valuable things, and physical things like deer skin are cleansed with a particular period of time, air, fire or water. According to the country, time and situation, either by the above said or other methods, purification is done for all things.

Similar to materials that become pure or impure, human beings also become pure or impure depending on the strength, wisdom and clarity of the activities done. According to the

Siddha-Mahayoga

Siddha Mahayoga

Author:

English Translation by:

Blessings from Swami Sahajananda Tirtha

Table of Contents

Siddha Mahayoga

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3